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Mon Jun 8 12:10:59 BST 2009

Ken

This speaks to the greater problem of comparing different systems while
trying to universalise things according to ones own reference point.

Even within Europe there are three different (at least) systems for
medical training, which are not easy to assimilate, then there is the very
different US system as well.

After basic medical school (graduate or otherwise) in Europe some systems
proceed directly to US style specialist training, while the UK,
Netherlands, Scandinavia, to name a few, first have a general internship,
after which some systems have a "medical officer" (generalist junior
doctor phase) while some progress to specialist training. This adds to the
confusion, skill development and skill mix.

We see this very much in South Africa when foreign trained doctors work
here. Many have great theoretical knowledge yet lack the physical skills
to operate / evaluate or make decisions.

On the other hand - a system where people go straight from medical school
to a specialty without a non-differentiated internship of one or more
years become "single system doctors", which is particularly challenging in
the emergency environment.

Just my observations - the challenge is larger than just sorting out
terminology.

Tim
Dr T C Hardcastle
M.B., Ch.B. (Stell); M. Med. (Chir) (Stell); FCS (SA)
Principal Specialist Trauma Surgeon /
Honorary Lecturer University of KwaZulu-Natal Dept Surgery
Deputy Director - IALCH Trauma Service
Durban - South Africa
> Many of the above medical professional persons are listed due to the  NON
> STANDARDIZED nomenclature of physicians in Europe and the Middle  East.
> Around the world, but especially in EUROPE there is a great  need for a
> standardization of nomenclature as to what physicians are  called.   EATES
> is in
> an excellent position to accomplish this long  needed nomenclature
> standardization.    More importantly, there  is great debate as to just
> what each
> named "specialist" can do in the EMS,  resuscitation area of the hospital,
> dispatch, disaster, OR, ICU and clinic  locations.    Many qualified
> physicians
> are literally prohibited  from caring for patients because of this jealous
> protection of turf, both in  Europe and in the United States.    EATES is
> also
> in the most  ideal position to address these turf and credentialing
> challenge.    THIS MUST BE DONE if there is to be progress in the care of
> emergency
> surgery  patients, be it in disaster, burns, interpersonal trauma, war,
> industrial  accidents, road traffic accidents, or others.    Furthermore,
> the
> systematic public health approach to trauma care is going to be mandated
> by
> the  consumerism movements of governments and the public in  general.
>

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